§ 28. Mr. Boydenasked the Minister of Public Building and Works what proportion of current building contracts are using a substantial amount of industrialised components fabricated off the site; and how the proportion compares with 1962 or other convenient date.
§ Mr. RipponI cannot give the information in the form requested, but I am satisfied that the use of industrialised components fabricated off the site is growing steadily, especially in contracts for public authorities. Industrialised systems were used for about 15 per cent. 209 of all new schools in 1962–63 and this proportion is likely to increase in 1964–65. Such systems are also likely to be used in 1964–65 for about 10 per cent. of new local authority houses and about 45 per cent. of new local authority flats.
§ Mr. BoydenI welcome that trend. Is not there a danger of over-emphasising industrial building and the increased output of the industry? Is it not much more important to improve site conditions for the workers and to recruit an extra labour force? What success is attending the right hon. Gentleman's activities in that regard?
§ Mr. RipponIn all Ministry contracts employing more than 100 men I provide for minimum standards of site amenity which I hope will set the standards for other people to follow. These matters are important. We want to see the expansion of all sides of the building industry and all aspects of it and not just industrialised building.
§ Mr. BoydenWhat is being done to increase the number of building workers?
§ Mr. RipponOver a period of years, more men may become available, but, broadly speaking, we must aim at achieving our programmes by increased efficiency with roughly the same labour force as we now have.